'Hooyah!': Sailors react to Navy's decision on ratings system

'Hooyah!': Sailors react to Navy's decision on ratings system

by: Tara Copp, Tyler Hlavac and Chris Church | .

Stars and Stripes | .

published: December 22, 2016

The Navy reversed course on its decision to scrap job-oriented enlisted titles, giving an unexpected Christmas gift to tens of thousands of sailors angered by the move to scuttle a centuries-old tradition.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson, who announced the reversal, cited the strong backlash from sailors against the plan to end the system of job-oriented titles, such as gunner’s mate or boatswain’s mate.

Sailors were to receive more information Wednesday from Richardson and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Steven Giordano, Navy officials said.

The reaction on social media was almost instantaneous and mostly positive, ranging from “good call,” to “leave tradition alone.”

Sailors around the fleet joined in the chorus.

“No one was happy about that,” Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Miller, a machinist’s mate aboard the USS Reagan, said of the September decision to eliminate ratings titles.

“I joined up to be a mechanic and I finally got my rating and then they said, ‘You’re not a mechanic anymore.’ I don’t think anyone is going to be unhappy the ratings are back. No chance,” Miller said.